Comments: IL HB5315 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly

Illinois House Bill 5315

Bill Title: Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code to prohibit a county or municipality from adopting any ordinance or resolution that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of a solar energy system or low voltage solar powered device. A "low voltage solar powered device" means a piece of equipment designed for a particular purpose, including, but not limited to, doorbells, security systems, and illumination equipment, powered by a solar collector operating at less than 50 volts and located: (1) entirely within the lot or parcel owned by the property owner; or (2) within a common area without being permanently attached to common property. A "solar energy system" means: (1) a solar storage mechanism that uses solar energy for generating electricity or for heating or cooling gases, solids, liquids, or other materials; and (2) a supplemental conventional energy system designed or constructed to interface with a solar energy system. Provides that in any litigation arising under this Act or involving the application of this Act, the prevailing party shall be entitled to costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Exempts any building that: (1) is greater than 60 feet in height; or (2) has a shared roof and is subject to a homeowners' association, common interest community association, or condominium unit owners' association. Provides it may apply to a shared roof if (1) the solar energy system is located entirely within that portion of the shared roof owned and maintained by the property owner; and (2) if all property owners sharing the shared roof are in agreement to install a solar energy system. Amends the Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act to make the same changes. Amends the Public Utilities Act to provide that municipal utility systems and rural electric cooperatives must have a shared policy governing self-generation of renewable energy. A shared policy must be developed by the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency, the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association, and the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives and reviewed for compliance with this Section by the Illinois Commerce Commission. The initial shared policy must be drafted and received by the Illinois Commerce Commission within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides what must be in the shared policy. Provides for civil penalties if a municipal electric utility system or electric cooperative violates or fails to comply with any provision of this Act or any order by the Illinois Commerce Commission issued under this Act. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-04-19 - House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee [HB5315 Detail]

Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [HTML]